Sewing machine with an adjustment device

ABSTRACT

A sewing machine ( 1 ) having selection device for selecting one or more adjustable parameters to be respectively selected and a common adjustment device for adjusting the values of each of these parameters. The adjustable parameter values are displayed by a display, with the display being arranged behind an opaque cover and being invisible in the switched-off state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Swiss Patent Application No. 00107/10, filed Jan. 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

The invention is directed a sewing machine with an adjustment device and a method for adjusting parameters in a sewing machine.

Sewing machines frequently comprise a multitude of functions and adjustable parameters. An appropriate number of operating elements is necessary to select, adjust, and modify these parameters. In particular, more complex sewing machines with many functions frequently comprise a graphic operator interface with a large display monitor. In more simple models, however, the scope of functions is lower and usually no graphic display monitors are used.

A large number of operating elements can have negative effects on the user friendliness of the sewing machine. Furthermore, additional operating elements require space and also increase the production costs.

SUMMARY

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine that can be operated in a simple fashion with relatively few operating elements and a method for adjusting several parameters of this sewing machine.

These objects are attained by a sewing machine and a method for adjusting parameters of said sewing machine according to the invention.

In the sewing machine according to the invention the values of several parameters, such as stitch type, stitch length, and stitch width can be adjusted in the same or a similar manner using a common adjustment wheel. The sewing machine control may comprise an adjustment wheel for different parameters, such as stitch type, stitch length, or stitch width, in order to adjust their parameters. The allocation can be controlled by the user via a key or another selection device. The selected parameter and the value of the parameter to be adjusted are displayed via a display device. The display device can optionally be embodied for a simultaneous display of several parameters and their values. In this case, the selected and thus adjustable value is emphasized and/or marked on the display device for example by way of blinking. The acceptance and/or confirmation of an adjusted value occur by a renewed operation of the selection key or another suitable device for confirmation. The updated values of the parameters are stored in a storage device of the sewing machine control. Preferably, several sets with different parameter configurations can be stored and recalled.

In a preferred embodiment the display device comprises an illuminated display, arranged behind an opaque cover. The opacity of the cover must be selected of such strength that the display is invisible in the switched-off state. The display is designed such and its luminance is sized such that the illuminated display is well visible through the opaque cover. This opaque cover may represent a partial area of the housing of the sewing machine, for example. In particular, the front of the housing of the sewing machine or a part thereof may be embodied transparent with a thin dispersing layer applied on the inside. Such display devices with displays, invisible in the switched-off state, can generally also be used for any other purpose.

The display device comprises means for displaying the respectively selected parameter and its value to be adjusted. Preferably the display device is embodied such that information concerning several important parameters, such as stitch type, stitch length, and stitch width can be displayed simultaneously.

The selection device can be embodied in different fashions. In the simplest case, a single key is sufficient, which upon repeated operation successively selects one parameter to be adjusted after the other. Alternatively, a key combined with an adjustment wheel may also be used to select a parameter. In other embodiments, for several or for all parameters selection keys are provided, which for example are characterized by allocated symbols on the housing of the sewing machine. Such selection keys or switches may also be characterized by several functions, dual or multiple functions, which can be activated for example by a dual operation or multiple operations or by an extended pushing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, some exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in greater detail using several figures. Shown here area;

FIG. 1 is a view of a first sewing machine with an activated display device,

FIG. 2 is a view of the sewing machine of FIG. 1 in the switched-off state,

FIG. 3 is a view of a second sewing machine with an activated display device,

FIG. 4 is a view of the sewing machine of FIG. 3 in the switched-off state,

FIG. 5 is a view of another sewing machine with an activated display device,

FIG. 6 is a view of the sewing machine of FIG. 5 in the switched-off state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a first sewing machine 1, with its control (not shown) being arranged inside a housing of the sewing machine, in the following called housing 3 for short. Four operating keys 5 are arranged in the area of the machine head at the front and/or operating side of the housing 3. In the proximity of these function keys 5 a function display 7 is activated, allocated to said function keys 5, which visually displays the switched status of this function. Such function displays 7 may be provided for all or only for some of the function keys 5.

In the area of the stand, three keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c are arranged in a similar fashion, which are used for directly selecting adjustable parameters. Symbols 11 a, 11 b, 11 c are printed directly next to these keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c on the housing 3, which display the respective functions and/or parameters. In the example of FIG. 1, the symbols 11 a represent the stitch type, 11 b the stitch length, and 11 c the stitch width.

A display device is arranged next to the symbols 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, which displays the respectively selected parameter using an appropriate symbol at a first illuminated display 12 and the corresponding actual parameter value at another illuminated display 13. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the parameter “stitch type” is displayed, and the number “01” as the present value. The allocation of a number to each of the available types of stitches of the sewing machine is saved in a memory or storage (not shown) of the control. Generally stated, the numbers represent the values potentially assumed by the parameter “stitch type”. Similarly, the other parameters and their present values may also be displayed in the displays 12, 13.

The keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c serve as selection means for selecting the respectively allocated parameter as the parameter to be adjusted. If one of these keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c is briefly pushed in the normal operating mode of the sewing machine 1 the adjustment mode for the allocated parameter is activated. The first illuminated display 12 shows the symbol of the selected parameter and the second illuminated display 13 the present value of said parameter. The latter is marked and/or emphasized as the adjustable parameter, for example by the second illuminated display 13 blinking.

In the adjustment mode, the value of the respectively selected parameter can be adjusted by rotating an adjuster such as an adjustment wheel 15, embodied laterally on the sewing machine 1. The adjustment wheel 15 comprises a rotationally supported adjustment ring with a recess 17 ergonomically shaped for the tip of the finger. In order to confirm adjusted parameter values the sewing machine 1 comprises a confirmation key 19 as an additional operating element, which is preferably arranged centrally in the area of the rotary axis of the adjustment wheel 15.

After the confirmation of a parameter value by pushing the confirmation key 19 or after a delay period of, for example, 15 seconds has expired without the adjustment wheel 15 being operated, the control returns to the default operating mode. The most recently displayed value of the respective parameter is accepted by the control as the present value for said parameter, saved, and subsequently applied for the operation of the sewing machine 1.

Instead of the confirmation key 19, one of the other keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c or the foot starter (not shown) can also be used to confirm an entry. In the operating mode the most recently selected parameter with the respective value is displayed in the displays 12 and 13.

FIG. 2 shows the sewing machine of FIG. 1 in the switched-off state. Due to the fact that the illuminating means of the display device are arranged behind a thin dispersing layer of the housing 3, otherwise transparent in these areas, the switched-off illuminating displays 7, 12, 13 are not visible.

FIG. 3 shows another sewing machine 1, in which several parameters and their values can be displayed simultaneously.

Next to the marking symbol 11 a for the stitch type, the corresponding illuminated display 13 a shows the number of the active stitch type, similar as in the sewing machine of FIG. 1. Similarly the values of two other parameters, namely the stitch length and the stitch width are displayed in other illuminated displays 13 b, 13 c.

The keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c serve as selection means for selecting the respectively allocated parameters as adjustable parameters. If one of these keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c is briefly pushed in the normal operating mode of the sewing machine 1, the adjustment mode is activated for the corresponding parameter and the value of said parameter is marked and/or emphasized on the display device, for example by way of blinking. In the illuminated display 12 the symbol of the respectively selected parameter is displayed. The adjustment and confirmation of the parameter values occur in the same manner as in the sewing machine of FIG. 1.

The key 9 a for selecting the stitch type has a dual function. By an extended pushing of this key, for example for 2 seconds, the control changes into the adjustment mode to set letters as the stitch type. This can be visualized, for example, by an additional indication in the illuminated display 12 using the symbol of the selected parameter. When this mode is selected, the control sets a fixed value (e.g. 7) for the stitch width and prevents the display and change of the parameter “stitch length”.

Additionally, in FIG. 3 the sewing machine 1 comprises two additional operating keys and/or switches 9 d, 9 e, which are provided to select special functions, such as the mirrored operation of a selected stitch type or the sewing with a double needle and for storing and recalling different parameter configurations. In general, the keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e can be configured by the mode of operation (short, long, twice, or several times, simultaneous pushing of two keys, etc.) in order to execute and/or select a multitude of actions. These actions or effects can be visually displayed by the display device. Additionally, an acoustic warning device may also be provided optionally, which warns about unsuitable or impermissible constellations of the parameters.

When the value range of one parameter comprises more than two values, they may be selected via the keys 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e and preset with the adjustment wheel 15.

FIG. 4 shows the sewing machine of FIG. 3 in the switched-off state. Here, none of the illuminated displays 7, 12, 13 a, 13 b, 13 c are visible.

FIG. 5 shows another sewing machine 1, in which the adjustment wheel 15 is also used as the selection means for selecting a parameter to be changed, by which also the values of the selected parameters are adjusted.

The adjustment wheel 15 combines two functions in one operating element. Similar to the adjustment wheel 15 of the sewing machines 1 of FIGS. 1 through 4, it can be used for adjusting parameter values by, for example, emitting different impulses to the control during rotation, depending on the respective direction of rotation. Additionally, in FIG. 5 the adjustment wheel 15 of the sewing machine 1 can axially be moved into two different switching positions, which can also be detected by the control. In one of these switch positions the adjustment wheel 15 has the function of a selection means for selecting a parameter to be adjusted. In the other position, the adjustment wheel 15 can be used, as already described, to adjust the value of the respectively selected parameter. Alternatively the switching of the function of the adjustment wheel 15 can also occur via a separate switching element (not shown). The sewing machine 1 comprises no keys for a direct selection of a parameter to be adjusted. Accordingly, no symbols for selectable parameters are printed on the housing 3. In the selection mode the symbol of the respectively selected parameter is shown similarly as displayed on the illuminated display 12 in the sewing machine of FIG. 1. This is particularly advantageous because the display device can be used by only adjusting the respective control software for sewing machines using different sets of parameters.

FIG. 6 shows the sewing machine of FIG. 5 in the switched-off state.

Legend of the reference characters

1 sewing machine

3 housing

5 function key

7 function display

9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e keys

11 a, 11 b, 11 c symbols

12 illuminated display

13 additional illuminated display

13 a, 13 b, 13 c illuminated displays for stitch type, stitch length, stitch width

15 adjustment wheel

17 recess

19 confirmation key 

1. A sewing machine (1) comprising an adjustment device for adjusting values of parameters, a selection device for respectively selecting one of the parameters as the parameter to be adjusted from the adjustment device that is common for all parameters and an adjuster for adjusting the value of the respectively selected parameter, and a display device having a display for the value of the respectively selected parameter.
 2. A sewing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the display device is adapted to display the respectively selected parameters.
 3. A sewing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the adjustable parameters is a stitch length and another of the adjustable parameters a stitch width.
 4. A sewing machine (1) according claim 1, wherein the adjuster comprises an adjustment wheel (15).
 5. A sewing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the selection device is a key (9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e) or another appropriate operating element for directly selecting an allocated parameter or for switching a function of the adjustment devices, with one of the functions being the selection of a parameter to be adjusted, and with another of the functions being the adjustment of the value of the parameter selected.
 6. A sewing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the display device comprises illuminated displays (12, 13, 13 a, 13 b, 13 c), which are arranged behind an opaque cover and which are invisible in a switched-off state.
 7. A method for adjusting parameters for a sewing machine (1) having an adjustment device for adjusting values of parameters, a selection device for respectively selecting one of the parameters as the parameter to be adjusted from the adjustment device that is common for all parameters and an adjuster for adjusting the value of the respectively selected parameter, and a display device having a display for the value of the respectively selected parameter, the method comprising selecting the parameters to be adjusted using a selection device, adjusting a value of the respectively selected parameter using the common adjustment device, and saving the value of the parameter adjusted thereby as an effective value. 